WIIKWEMKOONG—In the heart of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, a quiet revolution is underway. The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS), under the leadership of Chief Ron Gignac, is reshaping public safety by shifting from reactive enforcement to proactive community engagement. This transformation is not just about policing; it’s about building a resilient, connected community where safety is a shared responsibility.
Chief Gignac, who brings decades of experience from the Canadian Armed Forces and the Ontario Provincial Police, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in policing. “We can’t do this alone,” he stated during a community safety fair, highlighting the need for partnerships to effectively address community safety concerns
One of the cornerstones of this approach is the Wiikwemkoong Situation Table, a collaborative initiative that brings together police, mental health professionals, addiction specialists, housing workers, educators and child and family services. This weekly triage meeting allows professionals to identify and address high-risk situations before they escalate, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
In addition to the Situation Table, WTPS has launched several other community-focused programs. The Offender Management Apprehension Program (OMAP), introduced in March, aims to reduce repeat offenses and improve compliance with court conditions. In its first four months, the program registered 40 individuals, with 72 percent of compliance checks confirming adherence to judicial release conditions
Recognizing the need for long-term investment, WTPS secured a historic $112 million funding agreement over 10 years. This unprecedented commitment allows for strategic planning, staffing increases and enhanced service delivery, marking a paradigm shift in public safety for the community.
WTPS is also addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) by hiring three permanent positions dedicated to this issue and introducing a new Community Services Vehicle adorned with artwork representing MMIWG and the ‘Every Child Matters’ banner
Youth engagement is another priority. Through mentorship programs and speakers’ series, such as a spring time session featuring Grey Cup champion JR Larose, WTPS is inspiring Indigenous youth to envision bright futures and make positive choices.
These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to community safety—one that integrates enforcement with support, prevention with intervention, and individual well-being with collective resilience. As Chief Gignac aptly puts it, “Supporting our youth requires collective community effort.”
In Wiikwemkoong, safety is not just the absence of crime; it’s the presence of opportunity, connection, and care. Through collaboration, commitment, and community, WTPS is not merely responding to incidents but actively creating a safer, stronger future for all.
